"Spiral" by Yvonne Bobo

The D6 Gateway sculpture is one of seven public art installations within the Percent-for-Art program’s Gateway series. In 2013 the artist partnered with Playback Memphis and The Works Inc. to conduct a community workshop. During the session residents shared stories about their experiences living in South Memphis. Playback Memphis then created short theatrical interpretations of these stories during the workshop. The artists used these stories to create an inspirational sculpture that speaks to hope the for the neighborhood’s future and the neghborhood’s great pride in South Memphis’ rich history.

“Spiral” is a kinetic, stainless steel installation located at South Side Park. As the spiral rotates, the form appears to be constantly rising. The spiral is both beautiful and constant. Spirals occur everywhere in the universe, from the formation of galaxies to the growth of plants, and may be found in countless ties in the human body. This sculpture represents all the possibilities of new life for South Memphis. The overall height of the sculpture in 28 feet, wrapping the surface of the base is a map of South Memphis. The rising spiral is 17.5 feet high and 16 feet wide. It is constructed of stainless steel tubing, both strong and maintenance free. The base and the rising spiral combine to create an artwork that has both roots in the history with South Memphis and one that is looking forward to a future of growth and innovation.